By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Italy's foreign minister warns of Russian meddling ahead of general election
Italy's foreign minister warns Russia may attempt to interfere in next year's general election, calling it a concern for the entire EU. He a
EU prepares new sanctions over forced deportation of Ukrainian children
Brussels is finalising new sanctions against 27 Russian figures and groups involved in the forced transfer and re-education of Ukrainian min
Iceland's No Vote Freezes EU Membership Bid for Years
In a non-binding referendum, Icelanders voted against resuming EU membership negotiations, which have been frozen since 2013. The result eff
Kremlin hybrid attacks push Europe toward tougher response
Germany has formally accused Russia of an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport, prompting new EU sanctions and a raised threat level. N
Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong pleads guilty in second security law case
Joshua Wong, a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. The off
Midday Europe briefing: key stories for September 2, 2026
From Brussels to Berlin, here are the top stories shaping Europe this midday. Stay informed with our concise briefing.
Zelenskyy warns Russian skies are becoming unsafe for civilian flights
In his evening address on 1 September, Zelenskyy said the war Moscow started cannot be confined to Ukraine. He warned that the scale of Ukra
Brussels stands by €90 billion Ukraine loan despite war's rising costs
The European Commission insists the €90 billion loan agreed for Ukraine will be disbursed over two years, despite doubts about its longevity
Berlin accuses Moscow of drone attack on Leipzig airport
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt says a drone found at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August carried explosives, fitting the pattern of
Iceland's No vote exposes EU's flawed silence strategy
Icelanders voted 52.8% to 47.2% against resuming EU membership talks. Brussels stayed largely silent, a strategy that failed before with Bre
Kazakhstan's new Kurultai marks shift to unicameral politics
Kazakhstan has replaced its bicameral parliament with a new unicameral Kurultai after a March referendum. Five parties won seats in the 145-
Arctic becomes key front in EU's bid to break China's grip on critical minerals
The EU is increasingly looking to the Arctic for critical raw materials essential to its green and defence ambitions. Brussels wants to cut